Deputy Manager & Inclusion Lead (Maternity Cover), Portslade

Bee In The Woods; Brighton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

An outdoor nursery in Brighton seeks a Deputy Manager and Inclusion Lead to champion inclusive practices and support children aged 3-5. This role involves co-leading a team, ensuring every child has access to high-quality outdoor learning, and mentoring staff on inclusive strategies. The position offers £30,628 – £32,604 per annum, a dedicated non-contact day, and multiple benefits like 28 days annual leave, CPD opportunities, and discounted childcare. Candidates must hold a Level 5 qualification in Early Years Education and have substantial experience in an education setting.

Benefits

28 days annual leave (pro rata)

Birthday off

CPD opportunities

Caring team environment

Flexible working hours

Bike to Work Scheme

Techscheme

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience leading in an education setting.
• Passion for inclusive practice and supporting children with additional needs.
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.

Responsibilities

• Co-lead the Portslade setting with the Kindergarten Manager.
• Champion inclusion and SEND provision.
• Plan and deliver high-quality outdoor Early Years sessions.

Skills

Leadership skills

Knowledge of EYFS framework

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Experience with children with additional needs

Education

Level 5 qualification in Early Years Education and Childcare

Tools

Paediatric First Aid qualification

Job description

Deputy Manager & Inclusion Lead (Maternity Cover), Portslade

Maternity cover (1 year minimum) Full-time: 38 hours per week across 4 days (Monday-Friday)

Do you believe every child deserves to thrive in nature?

Bee in the Woods is seeking an experienced Deputy Manager and Inclusion Lead to champion inclusive practice at our Foredown Woods kindergarten in Portslade.

As Brighton’s first and only year-round outdoor nursery and Ofsted Outstanding setting, we’re looking for someone who understands that the woodland is the perfect environment for ALL children to flourish - and has the expertise to make that vision a reality.

What makes this role special

This is a chance to shape inclusive outdoor education for children aged 3-5 in one of Brighton & Hove’s most beautiful woodland settings. You’ll be working alongside our Kindergarten Manager and our award‑winning team to ensure every child, regardless of their needs, can access the magic of Forest School learning.

Your role will include:

• Co‑leading our award‑winning Portslade setting with the Kindergarten Manager
• Championing inclusion and SEND provision across the kindergarten
• Ensuring early identification and intervention through strong parent partnerships
• Supporting staff to implement Individual Support Plans effectively
• Acting as key person for a group of children, tracking their development and progress
• Planning and delivering high‑quality outdoor Early Years sessions
• Reviewing and developing SEND and inclusion policies and practices
• Building relationships with parents, staff, and external professionals
• Supervising and mentoring the staff team

You’ll have a dedicated non‑contact time each week to focus on inclusion leadership, planning and staff support.

What we’re looking for

• Hold a Level 5 qualification in Early Years Education and Childcare (or equivalent)
• Have experience leading in an education setting
• Bring deep knowledge of the EYFS framework
• Are passionate about inclusive practice and supporting children with additional needs
• Are passionate about pioneering quality early years education based on research
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and can build trust with children, families, and colleagues
• Possess strong organisational and time management abilities
• Work collaboratively and support others to grow
• Understand safeguarding and child protection procedures thoroughly
• Forest School Leader qualification (or willingness to train)
• Experience supervising and supporting staff teams
• Proven track record working with children with additional needs
• Paediatric First Aid qualification

What we offer

Hours & Pay:

• Full‑time: 38 hours per week across 4 days (Monday-Friday)
• One dedicated non‑contact day per week
• £30,628 – £32,604 per annum (ft/pro rata)
• Part‑time also considered for the right candidate. Salary depending on experience and skills

The Benefits:

• 28 days annual leave (pro rata)
• Your birthday off 🎂
• Exceptional CPD opportunities
• Caring and reflective staff team who prioritise wellbeing
• Regular staff socials and team building
• Discounted childcare if needed
• Flexible working hours to suit personal circumstances where possible
• Bike to Work Scheme
• Techscheme
• Career progression opportunities
• A working day in a beautiful space, surrounded by nature and lovely people.

Why Bee in the Woods?

• Two woodland play areas and a large allotment garden
• Woodland shelters, mud kitchens, woodwork areas, swings and dens
• Space for children to lead their own learning adventures
• A 1:5 staff‑to‑child ratio (compared to 1:8 or 1:13 in typical settings)
• Every child can thrive outdoors, regardless of their needs
• Nature is the best teacher
• Inclusion means removing barriers, not lowering expectations
• Staff wellbeing and professional development are essential
• Children are independent thinkers, rich in potential

About our Portslade setting

Foredown Woods is our larger site, featuring two woodland play areas and a spacious allotment garden. We support children aged 3-7, including nursery, reception and home education groups.

The woodland provides endless opportunities for exploration, play, creativity and connection with nature – from campfire cooking and tool use to den building, nature art and gardening. Our outdoor environment naturally supports sensory regulation, gross motor development and child‑led learning.

As Deputy Manager and Inclusion Lead, you’ll ensure that every child can access these experiences in ways that work for them, working closely with families and external professionals to create truly inclusive provision.

Your Impact

• Shape how children with additional needs experience outdoor learning
• Support families to see their children thrive in nature
• Mentor staff to develop inclusive practices
• Demonstrate that Forest School is for everyone
• Create systems that identify needs early and respond effectively
• Build a culture where difference is celebrated and barriers are removed

Key responsibilities snapshot

Leadership & Management:

• Assist the Manager in day‑to‑day running of the Portslade setting
• Support staff supervision, guidance, and training
• Help manage resources effectively
• Ensure policies and procedures are followed

Inclusion & SEND:

• Lead on SEND and inclusion policy and practice
• Implement early identification and intervention
• Support staff to follow Individual Support Plans
• Build partnerships with parents and external professionals

Quality & Safeguarding:

• Ensure the setting meets EYFS statutory requirements
• Maintain effective systems for tracking children’s progress
• Uphold safeguarding procedures and keep children safe
• Maintain high standards of safety, hygiene, and cleanliness

Ready to make a difference?

If you’re passionate about inclusive outdoor education, ready to lead with compassion and expertise, and excited to be part of an Outstanding team that’s redefining early years provision – we’d love to hear from you.

Contract: Maternity cover (temporary contract 1 year minimum)

Location: Foredown Woods, Portslade

Part‑time also considered for the right candidate

DEADLINETOAPPLY: 30th January 2026

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We are an inclusive, supportive and friendly team, who love to learn and grow together. To learn more about what we do at Bee in the Woods, feel free to find us on Facebook or Instagram. Should you have any questions about the role, we’d love to hear from you!